{Article by Mike}

Jellyrolls is an adults only (over 21s here, guys!) 'Duelling-Pianos' themed bar, located on the scenic arc of Disney's Boardwalk, a lakefront, shopping, dining and entertainment centre in the Epcot Resort Area. It opens daily from 7:00pm until 2:00am, although the atmosphere is generally better from around 9:00pm and after Illuminations finishes at 9:30 at nearby Epcot. Whilst you can (and should!) visit the Boardwalk area without charge, there is an admission fee of around $8 to gain admission to Jellyrolls. For those unfamiliar with the concept, 'Duelling Piano' bars feature two musicians playing opposing pianos on a raised stage. They will generally respond to requests from the audience, and, if competent, will have a substantial repertoire of songs at their finger-tips. At Jellyrolls, the quality of the entertainers (they are so much more than mere 'musicians') is outstanding! They play in pairs (obviously!) and rotate shifts with a second pair on the hour.

The venue is attractive, featuring two bars and raised seating/standing areas either side of the central stage. The area in front of the stage hosts a couple of dozen small tables, and, in the writer's opinion, is the best place to sit for the full effect' although you may be barracked by the players occasionally! Just give it them staright back! The sloping wall behind the pianos is mirrored, allowing an excellent view of the show from anywhere in the room. One odd point ' smoking is permitted in Jellyrolls (unusually for Florida, and I suppose likely to be prohibited in the future'). They do, however, have seriously good ventilation, and non-smokers we spoke to were not adversely affected.

The well-stocked bars can provide the usual mix of beers (both draught and bottled, try the draught AmberBock) spirits, cocktails and soft drinks, all at moderately premium prices. This isn't really a problem, as you should be too busy singing to worry about getting drunk! You can serve yourself or take advantage of the various waiters circulating through the venue. Oh, and fresh popcorn is available, free of charge!

The game is to bribe the players with a dollar or two, wrapped up in a napkin (copious supplies on each table) upon which you have written your request. These are either tossed on to the pianos/performers or delivered by hand if you are scared of causing offence! (unlikely!) Each member of the duo will have favourites, and they swap requests between them.

The nights pass very quickly in Jellyrolls. These guys are not simple musicians, they are versatile entertainers of the highest calibre. The tempo and noise levels rise very quickly as the venue fills, you'll have a great time, and, like us, will be sure to return!

Keep an eye out for the special treatment doled out to anyone with a birthday or anniversary!
For a detailed description of a 'typical' Jellyrolls night, have a read of my trip reports from 2004.

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/show...threadid=29475
and
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/show...threadid=29641
or from Easter 05,
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/show...threadid=52538